Diabetes Education Program

A referral is required for this program. After you are referred by your provider, your first appointment will be an individual visit with a diabetes educator to determine your immediate needs for instruction on home glucose monitoring, medication, etc. You may then be scheduled for one or more group classes, individual follow-up visits and an annual visit.

Classes meet on Thursdays in the Aspirus Diabetes Education Center at the following times:

Week 1 (Class A)

Times

Diabetes Overview
Prevention of Complications
Health Care Maintenance

1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Week 2 (Class B)

Times

Nutrition

1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Week 3 (Class C)

Times

Exercise
Lifestyle Adjustment

1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Week 4

Times

Class A

8:30-10:30 a.m.

Class B

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.*

Class C

1-3 p.m.

* Lunch break will be from 12:30-1 p.m. You may bring your own lunch or purchase from the cafeteria at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Physician referral is required, but you also may request a referral through Aspirus Diabetes Education Center & Nutrition Counseling.

Why Care for your Diabetes?

Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, non-traumatic amputation and kidney failure in America.

However, the important thing to remember is that controlled diabetes along with managing the other risk factors that cause blood vessel problems is what prevents these scary complications. Simply having diabetes does not automatically lead to complications.

Managing diabetes is difficult and takes a team to be successful. Your team includes you, your doctors, diabetes educators and support people.

What are the complications?

Diabetes is a blood vessel disease; the high blood sugar is the symptom. Diabetes can lead to:

Eye problems that can lead to blindness

Heart attack

Kidney failure

Nerve damage

Sexual dysfunction

Stroke

Wounds that don’t heal that can lead to amputation

What are the risk factors for blood vessel complications?

Your risk for blood vessel and nerve damage increases if you have unmanaged risk factors like:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Lack of exercise

Overweight

Smoking

Stress

What can you do to prevent complications?

See your doctor regularly to monitor the risk factors and treat if needed.

Stop smoking if you smoke.

Get some exercise daily. Any amount is beneficial.

Strive to eat healthy most days. That means low fat meats and dairy, fruits and vegetables and reasonable portions.

Resources & Recipes

We can help

For more help learning to manage your carbohydrate intake (including proper meal spacing, portion sizes, and carbohydrate counting) contact the Diabetes Education Center & Nutrition Counseling at 715.847.2070 to set up an appointment.

Meal Planning Tips

A meal plan tells you how many carbohydrate servings to eat at your meals and snacks.

Men should eat 2-5 carbohydrate servings at each meal (30-75 grams)

Women should eat 2-4 carbohydrate servings at each meal (30-60 grams)

Snacks should be limited to 1-2 carbohydrate servings (15-30 grams)

Some Helpful Tips:

Check your blood glucose level regularly. It can tell you if you need to adjust the amount of carbohydrates you are eating, or the timing of when you eat carbohydrates.

Space carbohydrate containing meals at least 3 hours apart.

Eat foods that have fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Limit intake of saturated fat. These unhealthy fats are found in butter, cream, and high-fat meats, such as bacon and sausage.

Eat very little or no trans fats. These unhealthy fats are found in all foods that list “partially hydrogenated” oil as an ingredient.

Why Is Carbohydrate Counting Important?

Counting carbohydrate servings may help you to control your blood glucose level so that you feel better.

Carbohydrates make your blood sugar levels rise, and should be eaten in the correct amount. They should also be spaced out throughout the day.

The balance between the carbohydrates you eat and insulin determines what your blood glucose level will be after eating.

Carbohydrate counting can also help you plan your meals.

Which Foods Have Carbohydrates?

A carbohydrate is anything ‘starchy’ or ‘sugary.’ These foods should be monitored throughout the day. Foods with carbohydrates include:

Breads, crackers, and cereals.

Pasta, rice, and grains.

Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, squash, corn, and peas.

Beans and legumes.

Milk, soy milk, and yogurt.

Fruits and fruit juices.

Sweets, such as cakes, cookies, ice cream, jam, and jelly.

Source: American Dietetic Association, eatright.org

Exercise checklist for people who have diabetes

Talk to your doctor about the right exercise for you.

Check your blood sugar level before and after exercising.

Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising.

Wear the proper shoes and socks.

Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercising.

Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.

Have a snack handy in case your blood sugar level drops too low.

Exercise & Diabetes

How can exercise help my diabetes?

Exercise can help control your weight and lower your blood sugar level. It also lowers your risk of heart disease, a condition that is common in people who have diabetes. Exercise can also help you feel better about yourself and improve your overall health.

What kind of exercise should I do?

Talk to your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you. The type of exercise you can do will mainly depend on whether you have any other health problems. Most doctors recommend aerobic exercise, which makes you breathe more deeply and makes your heart work harder. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, aerobic dance or bicycling. If you have problems with the nerves in your feet or legs, your doctor may want you to do a type of exercise that won't put too much stress on your feet. These exercises include swimming, bicycling, rowing or chair exercises.

No matter what kind of exercise you do, you should warm up before you start and cool down when you're done. To warm up, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing a low-intensity exercise such as walking. Then gently stretch for another 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat these steps after exercising to cool down.

When you start an exercise program, go slowly. Gradually increase the intensity and length of your workout as you get more fit. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.

Are there any risks to exercising for people who have diabetes?

Yes, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. Exercise changes the way your body reacts to insulin. Regular exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, and your blood sugar level may get too low (called hypoglycemia) after exercising. You may need to check your blood sugar level before and after exercising. Your doctor can tell you what your blood sugar level should be before and after exercise.

If your blood sugar level is too low or too high right before you plan to exercise, it's better to wait until the level improves. It is especially important to watch your blood sugar level if you exercise in really hot or cold conditions, because the temperature changes how your body absorbs insulin.

How will I know if my blood sugar is too low while I'm exercising?

Hypoglycemia usually occurs gradually, so you need to pay attention to how you're feeling during exercise. You may feel a change in your heartbeat, feel shaky or anxious, or suddenly begin to sweat more than normal. When you feel this way, you should stop exercising and follow your doctor's advice about how to treat hypoglycemia.

Should I drink more fluids during exercise?

Yes. When you're exercising, your body uses more fluid to keep you cool. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be getting dehydrated. Dehydration (not enough fluid in your body) can affect your blood sugar level. Drink plenty of fluid before, during and after exercise.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association.